Key Benefits

ASIC + RG146 compliant

This course meets the ASIC education requirements known as RG146. This regulatory guide outlines the knowledge and skills areas required to deliver both general and personal (Tier 1) financial advice under an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). This course has been approved by ASIC authorised assessors. As of January 2019, all new financial advisers will be required to hold a relevant degree.

Nationally recognised

The course is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework. You can use it as a pathway to further studies, including university degrees.

XPLAN software training

You have the option of adding XPLAN software training when studying this course. XPLAN is the financial industry’s go-to financial planning software package.

RG146 SMSF upgrade

SMSF advice is one of the fastest growing advice areas. You can add RG146 SMSF for an additional $200. That’s a $300 saving compared to taking the SMSF short course separately.

Government funded

If you live in Victoria, Monarch Institute has government funded places.

To see if you are eligible for a government funded place, please click here to see the criteria. Or get in touch with one of our friendly course consultants.

Course Accreditation

In total, you need to complete each of these 21 nationally recognised units of competency in order to be awarded your FNS50615 Diploma of Financial Planning. You will be RG146 compliant in each of the following areas:

Course Assessments

Our sector-leading academics and course trainers have developed a course assessment framework that is uniquely designed to help you gain a deep understanding of the course modules and, importantly, give you real-world insight, knowledge and skills. Assessment formats include:

Case studies

Multiple-choice questions

Short-answer questions

Calculation questions

Roleplays

Career Opportunities

The Diploma of Financial Planning isn’t just for aspiring advisers. When you get RG146 accreditation, you open up a variety of career paths.

This RG146 qualification will provide you with a vast array of employment opportunities within the financial services industry. Provide advice to clients at banks, through investment platform providers, at super funds, in financial planning firms, or in accounting practices. Get stuck in to the theory and numbers in investment research houses, stockbroking firms, and financial publications. Help meet the broader needs of clients in mortgage broking businesses, insurance firms, business brokerages, and real estate agencies.

Pathways

Want to take your learning even further? The Diploma of Financial Planning will set you up for success in the Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning. With the Advanced Diploma, you’ll explore new areas of financial advice and strategies needed by clients with real, complex financial needs. You’ll also get to grips with some of the tasks and challenges you’ll face as a leader or strategist within your organisation.

Entry requirements

To make sure you get the most out of training with us, the following enrolment process applies:

Once we receive your enrolment, our friendly course consultants will touch base to undertake a pre-training review to ensure the training is right for you.

For students without an equal or higher level qualification, there is a short language, literacy and numeracy quiz you complete online.

What equipment will I need?

You will need access to the following equipment to successfully complete the course:

Working computer with Microsoft Office (2009 or later)

Access to the internet either at home, work, public libraries or other locations. Internet speed must be reasonable (i.e. not dial up) in order to watch videos etc.

Access to a smart phone, video camera or web camera is required

Am I eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning?

Yes, we do formally recognise prior learning (RPL). In other words, we take into account relevant knowledge and skills you’ve possibly gained through previous formal or informal training, education and employment. To find out more, refer to our Student Information Guide by clicking here, or call our friendly course consultants.

Course Topics

Module 1

DFP 1 – Foundations of Financial Planning

Fundamentals of the Australian economy

Financial markets and participants

Regulatory environment

Australian licensing framework

Establishing client relationships

Identifying client goals and objectives

Analysing client risk profile

Developing financial-planning strategies

Presenting strategies to clients

Implementation of strategies

Client-review process

Code of ethics

Introduction to taxation

Introduction to social security

Estate-planning fundamentals

Economic fundamentals

Risk management within a financial-services office

Module 2

DFP 2 – Investments

Key asset classes

Securities – money-market instruments

Securities – fixed interest and bonds

Securities – property

Securities – shares

Securities – alternative investments

Risk and return

Derivatives

Investing in each asset class

Difference between income and growth

Dollar-cost averaging

Diversification

Managed investments

Index funds

Fund managers

Investment platforms

Case studies

Strategic asset allocation

Tactical asset allocation

Time value of money

Application of investment principles

Module 3

DFP 3 – Superannuation & Retirement Planning

Superannuation in Australia

Accumulation funds and defined benefit funds

Who can contribute into superannuation

Identify different kinds of contributions

Taxation and superannuation earnings

Superannuation guarantee

Government co-contribution

Super splitting and how it works

Salary sacrifice and how it’s applied

Strategies and case studies

Role and responsibility of superannuation trustees

How self-managed super funds operate

Mechanics of a superannuation pension

Preservation age and accessing superannuation

Tax applicable to superannuation benefits

Module 4

DFP 4 – Insurance and Risk Management

Relationship between risk and insurance

Basic characteristics of insurance

General insurance

Different types of insurance contracts

Term life insurance

Total and permanent disability insurance

Critical illness (trauma) insurance

Income protection insurance

Taxation and personal insurance

Identifying and calculating lump-sum death and disablement requirements

Insurance ownership structures

Policy features, riders and add-ons

Disclosure rules and obligations

Course Duration

Is there a maximum course completion time?

Yes; two years for the whole qualification. You must complete each module within six months.

Is there a minimum course completion time?

No. Except for some government funded students, students can complete the qualification as quickly as they choose.

What is the average course completion time frame?

Students who are highly motivated and well organised can often complete the full course in nine months. The key factors that influence course completion are a student’s experience, time availability, and how fast they work.

How does it work?

This course has been developed to give you absolute flexibility. Study on your couch, on public transport, on your break at work, out in the park – wherever and whenever you like. The best part is, with Monarch Institute, ‘online’ doesn’t mean ‘alone’. You’ll be backed by our trainers at every step along the way.

What support will I get?

Your trainer will be happy to contact you via phone, Skype, Zoom, TeamViewer, or email (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm). So you definitely won’t feel alone. You’ll also have access to our student Facebook groups, so you can discuss the material with other students. It’s a handy way to stay in touch with trainers and others in the same course.

Do you offer corporate workshops?

Yes. We’re the corporate training partner of choice for several large organisations. Our trainers can also conduct onsite training for groups of six staff or more. Corporate workshops can be scheduled for any location in Australia. Got a new satellite office with staff in need of training? Running a training retreat in an idyllic location (yes please!)? Our trainers can be there.

Corporate workshops are tailored to your organisation’s needs. Get in touch with our friendly course consultants for more information.

Course Price

Upfront payment

$1,575 (total)

The most cost-effective option. Pay up front and save 10% compared to the total payment plan. Payment options include electronic funds transfer (EFT), credit card (MasterCard or Visa), cheque or cash.

Optional: add RG146 SMSF for only $200 extra!

Payment plan

$66.63 per week, paid over 26 weeks (total $1732.50)

This option is suitable for students wanting to manage their cash flow. It’s handy if you want to get started right away, but don’t have the full amount on hand. Payment must be made with MasterCard or Visa.

Optional: add $8.46 per week for RG146 SMSF.

Government funding

If you live in Victoria, Monarch Institute has government funded places.

To see if you are eligible for a government funded place, please click here to see the criteria. Or get in touch with one of our friendly course consultants.

Meet your trainers

Industry experts and thought leaders

Lauren Davis Trainer "When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." – Henry Ford

I’m a qualified financial planner with 15 years’ experience in the financial services industry. I have worked as a financial planner for a small business, as well as running my own business. In the past I’ve also worked for one of the big four banks. I know what it takes to support new starters; I’ve also worked in marketing and supporting other financial advisers to run and grow their own businesses.

What makes me jump out of bed each morning?

Coffee and my much-loved Cavoodle, Henry, ready for his morning walk. I enjoy going out for brunch, watching movies, and watching any sport I can, in particular my beloved Carlton Football Club.

I am a qualified financial planner holding a tertiary qualification in a Masters of Financial Planning as well as being a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) since 2001. I started in the financial advice industry in 1997, after transferring from a role as a lending manager with ANZ. During my 20 years in the financial advice industry, I’ve had a number of diverse roles including corporate super at NSP Buck, workplace financial planning with private clients at MLC, and professional and business banking with Macquarie. To follow this up, I set up and ran an Australian Financial Services License for an accounting firm.

Then in 2012 I co-authored and delivered a business succession insurance training program for financial planners and accountants for the Business Risk Institute of Australia. In 2013 I established my own practice, Encompass Wealth – Financial Life Planning. We specialise in holistic life planning, focusing on the broader context of a client’s life rather than just the numbers. This means integrating clients’ values, vision and wealth.

In March 2017 I was appointed Director at CLIME Private Wealth. This role sees me using my experience, technical knowledge and coaching abilities to provide advice to baby boomers transitioning into their version of retirement. This is indeed a challenging role, dealing with people at diverse and sometimes difficult times of their lives. I’ve been using my life coaching skills together with other frameworks gained from transition and retirement coaching studies.

Education has been a major driver of my financial planning journey. I’m currently studying a Diploma of Life Coaching (due for completion in December 2017), and a Bachelor of Social Science (majoring in behavioural science) at Swinburne University.

I have an Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning, together with other specialist accreditations in retirement planning, SMSF, home and aged care, ALPA ASX listed products, collaborative law (financial adviser) and as a retirement and transition coach. I am also a member of the Financial Planning Association, an associate member of the AFA, SMSF Association and a fellow at the Australian Institute of Management.

What makes me jump out of bed each morning?

My family! And the ability to make a difference in someone’s life – I love working with people!

Ben Dascal Trainer "Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right." – Henry Ford

I am a qualified financial planner holding a tertiary qualification in financial planning, as well as being a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). I’ve worked as a financial planner for an Australian bank for over two years. Before that, I worked for over seven years as an associate adviser for another financial planning company.

What makes me jump out of bed each morning?

I enjoy catching up with friends, going for walks with my wife and following the North Melbourne Football Club.

Janine Cini Trainer "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." – Steve Jobs

I’m known as a bit of a superannuation guru here at the Monarch Institute office. I’ve got 30 years of experience in the financial services sector. I’ve worked in underwriting, corporate superannuation fund portfolios, business analysis, and self-managed superannuation funds.

I have undertaken a variety of roles, mostly within large corporations, but also with a number of small businesses. I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience in Monarch Institute’s student contact hours here in Melbourne.

What makes me jump out of bed each morning?

It’s all about balance and fitting as much into the day as possible. If the sun is shining an early morning horse ride is a must. A good balance of work to stimulate the mind and Pilates to keep in shape. And never a dull moment with three children and a close family living nearby.

Josh Wilson Trainer "Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless." – Jamie Paolinetti

I am a qualified financial planner with tertiary and vocational qualifications in financial planning and law. I’ve had 17 years of experience in the financial planning and wealth management industry. I have worked as a financial planner for a large Australian bank and boutique wealth management firm for over 10 years, and prior to that, as a fund accountant for a London-based asset manager.

What makes me jump out of bed each morning?

I am usually woken up by my two girls first! I get excited to see my heirloom tomatoes growing strongly in spring. I love cooking at home on the weekend, hanging out in the park with my wife and two girls, and I’m a mad (suffering) Carlton supporter.

Any questions? Ask away!

Please complete the details below. Your dedicated course consultant will be in touch with you shortly.

Financial planning training. For the real world.

You deserve to learn from experts who are just as committed to the financial planning profession as you. Monarch Institute was founded by experienced financial advisers who wanted to show students what it’s actually like to practice in the real world. In other words, not just the theory. Courses are developed with an industry advisory council including recognised thought leaders from major Australian Universities.

Need your full RG146 compliant qual? Want to specialise in one area of advice? Monarch Institute delivers nationally recognised qualifications, taught on your terms. Fit your professional development in to your busy schedule, confident that you’ll be supported by your trainers every step of the way. It’s just one part of our commitment in helping you smash your career goals.

I completed my Diploma of Financial Planning at Monarch Institute and subsequently completed my Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning with them. My experience in all my dealings with Monarch Institute has been impressive.

- John Emile

I really liked the way the course was outlined as it was very practical rather than only theory based. The course material and assessments were both concise and challenging respectively. It gave me the chance to think as a Financial Planner.

- Vicky Satgunasingam

You need a different learning experience.We're ready to deliver.

Expertise

Courses developed with leading academics and industry associations

Delivered by brilliant trainers who work with corporate leaders

Learn from professionals using real world case studies

Flexibility

Fit study around work, family, life.

Start immediately, or down the track

Flexible payment options

Support

Dedicated team of trainers and support staff on hand to guide you

Up to date, easy to understand course materials.

Assessment turnaround in 5-7 business days with comprehensive trainer feedback.